The best tripod with integrated head
"TSUBAME" is a classic model of tripod for photography. Its robustness, timeless design, and reliable operability continue to be a favorite even now, more than 60 years after its first release in Japan. As the world's first duralumin tripod and the world's first tripod with an elevator, it became the benchmark for all subsequent tripods. TSUBAME tripods are supported by very high percentage of professional photographers and are truly called as a classic among classics.
The construction of the head itself is also excellent, and while it sounds simple to describe, it "moves smoothly and stops precisely," but very few heads are able to achieve this. Another major factor contributing to ease of use is that there is minimal deviation when you tighten the screws after deciding on the composition. You can truly experience the world's best level of "movement" and "stopping."
There are many camera products on the market that are simply labeled "for professional use," but how many of these products are truly amd highly rated by professional photographers and are actually used in a variety of settings across the country, such as photo studios, wedding halls, school photographers, and food and product.
Continues to be refined over time
The TSUBAME tripod has never undergone a so-called full model change in over 60 years since its official debut in Japan as the HUSKY in 1963. Repeated irrational model changes, such as new parts not fitting old tripods, don't necessarily lead to positive results.
However, small quality improvements continue to this day. When a tripod comes in for an overhaul, we examine the condition of the tripod and, if the screw threads are significantly worn, we review the material. If the plating is not strong enough, we change the method or thickness, and reconsider the length and thickness of small screws. These constant refinements over the course of over 60 years have established the current quality.
Aluminum alloy legs
In an era dominated by carbon-fiber tripods, TSUBAME deliberately uses only carefully selected, top-grade aluminum alloy for its leg tubes. This is because aluminum allows us to achieve the two essential requirements for location work: high rigidity and low weight. Using dedicated machinery, each leg section is precision-machined from a single solid piece of metal. This manufacturing method is simply impossible with carbon tubes. There is no risk of adhesive layers cracking or peeling, and the advantages in durability and reliability are obvious. Yet, in terms of real-world weight, TSUBAME tripods are lighter than many competing aluminum tripods, and remarkably close to carbon-fiber models.
In a market where nearly every tripod has a separate head and legs, we have intentionally remained committed to an integrated design. With a one-piece construction, there is no risk of the head loosening during transport or shooting. Compared to a separate head mounted on a leg set, the integrated system is both lighter and structurally more rigid.
All from a professional shooting location
Manufacturing of this tripod was first passed from Quickset in the United States to Toyo Trading Co., Ltd. in Japan, and then fully transitioned to Studio Jin in 2022. Rather than relying on inexpensive overseas components, we insist on using the best possible materials and pursue high-precision machining. Every single component—right down to the smallest screw—is manufactured in Japan. Naturally, final assembly also takes place in domestic factories, under strict quality control.
This approach also means that every single part is available as a service part. If necessary, you can send your tripod in for a complete overhaul at any time and have it restored to the functional condition of a brand-new product. Today, it is completely routine for us to receive tripods that were produced 20 or even 30 years ago. Because the key dimensions of the core components have never changed, all of these tripods can be serviced and repaired with current-production parts without any compromise. Look across the entire world of industrial products and you will find very few examples of a tool that has been allowed to grow and evolve in this way, over such a long span of time, while maintaining compatibility and support. TSUBAME is nothing less than the embodiment of the quality and after-sales support demanded by working professionals. There is a very real reason why this tripod has been chosen—and kept in use—by generations of professional photographers.
Specification table
| Model Number | Model Name | Shorten length | Lowest leg height | Maximum leg height | EV increase | Total Maximum Height | Weight | Load capacity (dynamic load) |
| HT-1030 | 3 Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 793mm | 750mm | 1593mm | 375mm | 1968mm | 3580g | 10kg |
| HT-1040 | ４ Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 838mm | 792mm | 2118mm | 375mm | 2493mm | 4010g | 10kg |
| HT-1050 | 5 Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 881mm | 831mm | 2681mm | 375mm | 3056mm | 4380g | 10kg |
| HT-1031 | Semi-Short 3 Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 666mm | 633mm | 1240mm | 265mm | 1505mm | 3220g | 10kg |
| HT-1041 | Semi-Short 4 Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 712mm | 675mm | 1649mm | 265mm | 1914mm | 3580g | 10kg |
| HT-1042 | Short 4 Sec. Tripod w/3D head | 587mm | 555mm | 1186mm | 210mm | 1396mm | 3210g | 10kg |
*The dimensions and weight in the specifications table are calculated values using CAD and are roughly consistent with the actual measurements, but there may be slight individual differences.
*TSUBAME tripods are manufactured with the assumption that they will be used by professional photographers for 10 or 20 years at that frequency. For that reason, some parts are made with materials that prioritize durability, and when you first start using them, you may notice a stiffness in movement, or the legs may not lock in place properly, causing a slippery feeling. These issues will likely go away as the parts become more familiar with each other, so we hope you will enjoy using them for a long time.
It's only when each part has become familiar that it becomes a true TSUBAME. The words "for Professional" are not just for show.